The Anchor of the Valley: A Tribute to Mick Hatch
While others saw a forgotten corridor, Mick saw possibility.
Menomonee Valley Partners congratulates Mick Hatch on receiving the 2026 Milwaukee Business Journal Cornerstone Award, recognizing a lifetime of work that has helped shape Milwaukee’s growth, redevelopment, and business community.
For more than two decades, Mick has played an important role in the continued revitalization of the Menomonee River Valley. As a founding leader of Menomonee Valley Partners and longtime supporter of the organization, he helped guide efforts that transformed former industrial land into a center for jobs, business growth, recreation, and community investment.
When MVP was formed in 1999, the Valley faced significant environmental and economic challenges following decades of industrial decline. Through long-term collaboration between public, private, nonprofit, and community partners, the Valley has since become home to new businesses, jobs, public spaces, and infrastructure investment.
Throughout that work, Mick provided steady leadership, legal guidance, and long-term support to the organization and its mission. In addition to his professional work at Foley &Lardner, he dedicated significant time and expertise to community and nonprofit initiatives, including years of pro bono support connected to redevelopment efforts in the Valley.
Over the course of his 50-year legal career, Mick worked on major projects throughout the Milwaukee region, helping support developments that have shaped neighborhoods, business districts, and public spaces across the city.
The Milwaukee Business Journal’s Cornerstone Award recognizes individuals whose work leaves a lasting impact on Southeast Wisconsin, and few people embody that spirit more than Mick Hatch. His leadership, service, and commitment to Milwaukee have helped shape not only the Menomonee River Valley, but the broader community for generations to come.
Congratulations, Mick, and thank you for your lasting impact on the Valley.
